For those of you who have been following my post, you know that a couple of weeks ago I lost one before it was published. You also know I was pretty bummed about it. But, in retrospect I remembered I put Romans 8:28 at the bottom of the post and knew it was part of the plan for me to lose it. The plan was for me to write what I wrote that night tonight. Why? Because it honored my mom and dad who will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary tomorrow. So here we go again with some additions and deletions. :o)

Why do I run? That is a question I am asked a lot. This is a great question. I run to stay healthy. I run to relieve stress. I run to enjoy God’s beauty. I run because I can. :o)

Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children. (Proverbs 17:6 NIV)

It all started when I was young. I have two parents who are amazing people. Everywhere they go they leave a mark of kindness behind. They love God first, each other second followed by their family and then others. They are the pride of their three children. Right, Lisa and Rob? They have always taken care of themselves as God would have them. Health conscious was the norm. You remember Diet Coke’s predecessor? TAB. I can see the cans sitting on the counter. I am not sure TAB was real healthy…but I remember mom trying. :o) They walked. They played golf. They were very active.

The living, the living—they praise you, as I am doing today; parents tell their children about your faithfulness. (Isaiah 38:19 NIV)

Years ago, mom and dad started running together. That is where the mailbox story originated. We lived in the country and they would go out on the country roads to run. They started as non-runners just trying to make it to the next mailbox. They became runners. They ran in races. They showed us by example how to take care of ourselves through physical activity. I am SO thankful for this example. They continued to be faithful throughout the years. Mom and I have run races together. I have run races with my sister as well as my nieces. It is a family affair. One mom and dad started when they met 50 years ago.

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the lord your God is giving you. (Exodus 20:12 NIV)

We joined in and somedays we liked it and others we hated it. But because we honored them we did it. 25-30 years later, I am thankful we did. I am were I am today because of my mom and dad. They have supported and honored one another through thick and thin. They have done what many don’t…they have run side by side no matter what the circumstances. They have lived out and will continue to live out Romans 8:28:

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

They were called to be married and to keep that commitment made in front of our Lord. They have learned through all things He will work out the good because they love Him. They have shown us how to live for Him. They gave us a foundation unlike any other…one grounded in Christ. When I say I am blessed…I am truly blessed.

So, why do I run? Because I had parents who cared enough for us to show us how to be physically and spiritually whole. Thank you mom and dad for running side by side for 50 years…here’s to many, many more. I love you both no matter what…forever and always!!!

50 years of marriage between you two,
can’t be measured by time but by LOVE.

Love for the Lord first and each other second.
Next is the love for us,
And then your love for others…your extended family.

The lives that have been touched by you two are too many too count.
You have blessed us and all that you have come in contact with beyond measure.
You have led by example as husband and wife, as parents, as employees, as friends and as bosses. You have shown us what it means to truly love without conditions.

LOVE YOU NO MATTER WHAT!
Love others no matter what!
Love the Lord no matter what!

That is what a 50 year+ marriage is all about. Loving through it all, no matter what!

So, how long is 50 years?
Just the start of an eternity of loving the Lord, yourselves, your family and others!

Thanks for showing us how it is done the right way…with the Lord as your guide.
Here is to many, many more years of happiness!

SPECIAL NOTE FOR MY OUACHITA FRIENDS AND FAMILY:

In honor of mom and dad, we are having a bench engraved with Romans 8:28 and their names placed on OBU’s campus. One day when we can no longer run or we just need a break, we can sit in the shade by the OBU Tiger and reflect on how two people met at OBU and made such a difference in so many lives!!!